Leisure travel in the new normal is often a convenient three to four-hour max drive from the metro, mostly day trips or overnight stays. Among the many nearby destinations that people seek are Subic and Bataan.
Prior to the pandemic, Subic has already been a top tourist destination for the many activities it offers.
The quintessential Subic tour includes animal encounters at Subic Safari or Ocean Adventure Subic Bay, hiking at Pamulaklakin Forest Trail or towards El Kabayo Waterfalls, water activities or simply relaxing by the beach at Inflatable Island or Capones Island, among others.
But Subic is more than just the aforementioned.
History buffs or those who simply want to revisit the past may opt for sites such as the Spanish Gate, Waterfront Road’s Historical Monuments, APEC Villas, Bicentennial Park, Magellan’s Landing Maritime Museum, among others.
Religious escapades can also be made at San Roque Chapel or at the Holy Land Subic Bay.
Having known all the activities, a day trip simply wouldn’t suffice. Those who wish to stay a day or two have a plethora of accommodations to choose from.
There is Le Charmé Suites which is quaint and biker-friendly, Subic Yacht Club for those who wish to rent yachts, ACEA Subic Bay which is situated at the beach for those who want to bask in vitamin sea, among others.
Bataan is also a majestic destination on its own.
It is greatly known for historical tours and heritage sites due to the historical events that shaped Filipinos today.
It’s a sin not to go to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar when visiting the province.
The 400-hectare resort and heritage site carries ancestral homes that have been uprooted from their original place and rebuilt on the lot.
There is also the Bataan Death March marker, the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) on Mt. Samat, and the Bataan World War II Museum where World War II memorabilia are stored, among others.
Similar to Subic, Bataan also offers various nature sites and activities like the Pawikan Conservation Center where turtle eggs hatch and are released, the Bataan National Park which is the last remaining closed-canopy dipterocarp forest in Central Luzon, the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park which is a haven for bird watchers, etc.
As the country continues to face economical struggles, now is the perfect time to contribute to its growth by prioritizing one’s own. In this case, it’s choosing to travel locally.